Boston Consulting Group has published findings that indicate the US manufacturing sector is only marginally more expensive than in China. This positions the US in a strong competitive position against both Europe and Japan as signs of a recovery in the US gain momentum. The rapid rise of the unconventional energy markets has driven costs down and coupled with a large and flexible labour force the US is well placed to benefit from export markets in Europe and Japan. The net benefit identified by BCG is potentially between $25 - $72 billion in exports and up to 1.2 million manufacturing jobs. (VIEW LINK)